Utility vehicle

ABSTRACT

A utility vehicle is described having front and rear passenger area, and an HVAC system provides treated air to both front and rear areas. The front area includes a tunnel extending longitudinally rearwardly, and a low profile duct extends within the tunnel to communicate treated air to the rear passenger area. The frame has been modified to mount a drive shaft carrier bearing to maximize the arear under the tunnel for hose routing. The frame has been modified to maximize the ingress area for the foot of the rear passenger. The frame has been modified to better seal the vehicle when doors are utilized.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/213,462, filed Mar. 26, 2021, which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/377,676, filed Apr. 8, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,988,187, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/655,384, filed Apr. 10, 2018, the disclosures ofwhich are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure generally relates to utility vehicles and moreparticularly to utility vehicles having front and rear passengercompartments.

SUMMARY

It is known to have utility vehicles for operation in rough terrain, forexample see U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,078. It is also known to have suchutility vehicles configured with a front seat for an operator and up totwo passengers, and a rear seat for up to three additional passengers,see generally U.S. Pat. No. 9,789,909.

In a first embodiment, a utility vehicle comprises a utility vehicle,comprising a longitudinally extending frame having a longitudinalcenterline, the frame comprising a front frame portion and a rear frameportion; ground engaging members supporting the frame; a cab comprisinga front seating section; a rear seating section; a mid-panel forward ofthe rear seating section separating the front and rear seating sections;and an HVAC duct extending through and under the front seating sectionand coupling to the mid panel to deliver treated air to the rear seatingarea.

In another embodiment, a utility vehicle comprises a frame having alongitudinal centerline, the frame comprising at least twolongitudinally extending frame members, a first frame member having afirst upper surface, and a reduced height section lower than the firstupper surface, the frame further comprising a second frame member havinga second upper surface and a mounting portion raised relative to thesecond upper surface; ground engaging members supporting the frame; apowertrain coupled to the frame; a driveshaft coupled between thepowertrain and at least some of the ground engaging members; adriveshaft carrier bearing supporting the driveshaft along a lengththereof, wherein the carrier bearing includes a flange surrounding atleast part of the carrier bearing and the flange includes a first flangecoupling point coupled to the reduced height section and a second flangecoupling point coupled to the mounting portion, such that a line drawnthrough the first flange coupling point and the second flange couplingpoint defines a line that is angled relative to a horizontal axis.

In yet another embodiment, a utility vehicle comprises a utilityvehicle, comprising a longitudinally extending frame having alongitudinal centerline, the frame comprising a front frame portion anda rear frame portion, the frame further including front pillar portionsextending upwardly, rear pillar portions extending upwardly, and centerpillar portions extending upwardly, where the center pillar portionsextend rearwardly as progressing upwardly; ground engaging memberssupporting the frame; a cab comprising a front seating section,generally positioned longitudinally between the front pillar portionsand center pillar portions, and further comprising a front floor; and arear seating section, generally positioned longitudinally between thecenter pillar portions and rear pillar portions, and further comprisinga rear floor; a panel portion enclosing each of the center pillarportions, wherein a forwardmost position is defined in the panel portionadjacent to the rear floor and angles rearwardly and upwardly.

In yet another embodiment, a utility vehicle comprises a longitudinallyextending frame having a longitudinal centerline, the frame comprising afront frame portion and a rear frame portion, the frame furtherincluding front pillar portions extending upwardly, rear pillar portionsextending upwardly, and center pillar portions extending upwardly;ground engaging members supporting the frame; a cab comprising: a frontseating section, generally positioned longitudinally between the frontpillar portions and center pillar portions, and further comprising afront floor; and a rear seating section, generally positionedlongitudinally between the center pillar portions and rear pillarportions, and further comprising a rear floor; a panel portion enclosingeach of the center pillar portions; and front doors and at least onehinge per door, the hinges being coupled to the center pillar portionsthrough lateral outer surfaces of the panel portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front left perspective view of the vehicle of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the vehicle of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is a front left perspective view of the frame for the vehicle ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a right rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a front left perspective view showing the components for avehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system;

FIG. 11 shows a right rear perspective view of the components of theHVAC system;

FIG. 12 shows a right front perspective view of the HVAC system, withthe system hoses partially broken away;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the engine driven air conditioningcompressor of the HVAC system;

FIG. 14 shows a right rear perspective view of the operator'scompartment showing treated air vents for the rear passengers;

FIG. 15 is an underside rearward looking perspective view showing theduct for delivering the treated air to the rear passengers;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the low profile duct shown in FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the duct of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 shows a front right perspective view of the drive train propshaft of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 19 shows the prop shaft and bearing carrier exploded from theframe;

FIG. 20 shows the HVAC hoses coupled to the frame;

FIG. 21 shows a front left perspective view of the cab frame of thepresent vehicle;

FIG. 22 shows a right rear perspective view of the cab frame of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 shows an upper right-hand corner coupling of the driver door tothe cab frame shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 ;

FIG. 24 shows the hinge of FIG. 23 exploded from the cab frame with thedriver door removed;

FIG. 25 shows the driver door lower hinge;

FIG. 26 shows the driver door hinge exploded away from the cab frame;

FIG. 27 shows the under seat storage on the right-hand side of thevehicle;

FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of the vehicle side panels;

FIG. 29 shows a right rear perspective view of the passenger entry forthe rear seating area;

FIG. 30 shows an enlarged view of the vehicle frame showing thearchitecture allowing the ingress for the rear passengers; and

FIG. 31 shows a rider in the rear seat with the increased foot space andenlarged area for ingress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference first to FIGS. 1-7 , a utility vehicle is shown generallyat 2 comprising a frame 4 (FIG. 2 ), front ground engaging members 6defined by tires 8 and rims 10, and rear ground engaging members 12defined by tires 14 and rims 16. The utility vehicle shown in FIG. 1 isgenerally referred to as a “crew” type utility vehicle having a frontoperator and passenger area 20 and a rear passenger area 22. Vehicle 2includes a front 30 having a hood 32 and side panels 34. A roof 34 maybe provided as a covering for the vehicle which couples to the vehiclecab frame 36, as in known in the art. The vehicle includes side panelsat 40 intermediate a front door 42 and rear door 44 and rear panel 46rearward of door 44. Door 42 is coupled to vehicle by way of an upperhinge 50 and lower hinge 52 while door 44 is coupled to vehicle by wayof a hinge 54 and 56. Vehicle 2 may also include a rear body area 60which may include a utility bed 62 configured as a dump body. As bestshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , vehicle 2 also includes a powertrain 70, asfurther described herein.

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9 , frame 4 will be described ingreater detail. As shown, frame 4 is defined by longitudinally extendingframe tubes 70 extending from the front of the frame to a rear of theframe where frame tubes 70 expand outwardly to define sections 72. Outertubes 74 couple to frames 70 and extend rearwardly from a front end oftubes 70. Tubes 76 run parallel to tubes 74 and include upright portionsor pillars at 78 and 80. Frame 4 defines a front frame portion 82 whichincludes a front suspension mount portion at 84 and a rear frame portion86 defining a rear suspension mount portion at 88. Frame 4 includes afront seat mount portion 90 and a rear seat mount portion 92. Frame 4also includes upright portions or pillars 94 extending upwardly fromframe tubes 74. Cab frame mount portions are defined by front cab framemount portions 100, mid cab frame mount portions 102 and rear cab framemount portions 104. A drive shaft carrier bearing mount portion 110 isdefined in the longitudinally extending frame tubes 70 adjacent to seatportion 90, as described further herein.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-13 , a heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) system 120 will be described in greater detail. Asshown, HVAC system 120 includes a compressor 122 which is driven byengine 124 in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No.9,738,134, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein byreference. Compressor 122 is for compressing refrigerant of the airconditioning portion of HVAC system 120, as is known in the art. HVACsystem 120 further includes a condenser 130, which corresponds with anHVAC unit 132 located within the operator's compartment 20, as furtherdescribed herein. HVAC unit 132 having a heater core 134 and anevaporator 136 positioned therein. While not part of the HVAC system perse, a radiator 140 is mounted rearwardly of the condenser 130 where boththe condenser 130 and radiator 140 are positioned forward in the vehiclemounted within front section 82 (FIG. 8 ), so as to receive air acrossthe condenser 130 and radiator 140 for cooling purposes.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the routing of the refrigerantwill be described in detail. A fitting 150 of hose 152 (FIG. 13 ) iscoupled to compressor 122 which provides compressed refrigerant throughfitting 154 (FIG. 12 ) to condenser 130. Refrigerant is cooled by thecondenser and travels downwardly in condenser 130. A hose 156 (FIG. 12 )provides refrigerant from the condenser 130 to the evaporator 136whereupon a hose 158 returns the refrigerant back to the compressor 122,as shown in FIG. 13 . This is the continuous refrigeration cycle whereair is treated within HVAC unit 132 and is provided to various outputducts at 160, 162 and 164 (FIG. 10 ) to deliver treated air through ductoutlets 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 and 180 (FIG. 12 ). It shouldbe appreciated that ducts 160, 162 and 164 are for the front compartment20. A rear duct assembly 184 (FIG. 10 ) is coupled to a rear duct 186(FIG. 11 ) which extends outwardly from HVAC unit 132, and whichconnects to a low profile duct 188, to a Y-shaped connector 190 (FIGS.10 and 11 ) and then to rear ducts 192, as described in great detailherein.

The heating portion of the HVAC system utilizes heat taken from theengine cooling water. The engine cooling water is pumped by way of awater pump 200 (FIG. 11 ) through hose 202 from radiator 140. Water pump200 pumps water upwardly through engine 124 whereupon heated water exitsthrough hose 206. Heated water returns to the radiator 140 by way ofhose 206, as best shown in FIG. 10 . Heated water for the heater core134 is taken from engine 124 through hose 216 (FIG. 13 ) into athermostatic valve 218 and into hose 220. If the water is not heatedenough for the heater core 136 then the water returns to the enginethrough hose 222. Hose 220 goes into the heater core 134, as shown bestin FIG. 12 . Heat is extracted from the water and utilized for heatingpurposes in the HVAC unit 132. Water exits the heater core at hose 226(FIG. 12 ) where it couples to hose 202 at fitting 228 (FIG. 11 )whereupon it returns to the engine.

Given the architecture of the HVAC system 120 as described above, theapplication of the HVAC system into the vehicle 2 will be described.With reference first to FIG. 14 , HVAC unit 132 is shown placed in thefront of the vehicle with hose 186 extending into a tunnel portion 240.Tunnel portion 240 extends rearwardly to a pedestal 242 which covers thefront seat frame 90 (FIG. 8 ). Rear vents 244 are coupled to a rear wall246 of pedestal 242 and project rearwardly from pedestal 242 andcommunicate with rear passenger compartment 22 (FIG. 1 ). As shown bestin FIGS. 16 and 17 , rear duct assembly 184 is comprised of hose 186,low profile duct 188, hose 189, Y-splitter 190 and ducts 192. Ducts 192communicate treated air through vents 244 to the rear compartment 22.

As shown in FIG. 17 , low profile duct 188 includes mounting ears 250for mounting duct 188 on an underside of tunnel 240, as best shown inFIG. 15 . Due to the low profile nature of duct 188, tunnel 240 can bekept to a minimum height maximizing the front area of compartment 20,for example for a rider's feet. As shown in FIG. 17 , low profile duct188 has a central width of 260 and a height of 262. In the embodimentshown, dimension 260=150 mm (5.9 inches) and dimension 262=22 mm (0.866inches) such that a ratio of the width to the height (260/262)=6.8,however the ratio could be in a range of 5-10.

With reference now to FIGS. 18-20 , a revised drive line will bedescribed that allows for compact packaging of the HVAC hoses describedabove. With reference first to FIG. 18 , a drive shaft 270 is shownhaving a front drive shaft portion 272 which would power front wheels 6and a rear drive shaft portion 274 which would power rear wheels 12. Acenter drive shaft portion 276 extends intermediate drive shaft portions272 and 274 and is supported by carrier bearings, namely a front bearingcarrier 280 and a rear bearing carrier 282.

With reference now to FIG. 19 , frame 4 was redesigned such that oneframe tube 70 is provided with an upper surface 286 where a reducedheight section 288 is defined, which as shown, is defined by a notchwithin frame member 70. The other frame member 70 provides an uppersurface 290 which includes mounting portion 292 raised relative to theupper surface 290. Mounting portion 292 is defined by a bracket having amounting surface at 294 which is parallel to surface 295 defined bynotch 288. Notch 288 and bracket 292 include threaded openings 296, 298respectively, as described herein.

With reference still to FIG. 19 , the drive shaft carrier bearing 280includes outer flange 300 which includes a first flange portion 300 awhich may be received against surface 295 of notch 288 and a secondflange portion 300 b which is received on surface 294. Flange 300includes an aperture 306 which aligns with threaded aperture 296 andaperture 308 which aligns with threaded aperture 298. Fasteners 310 arereceived through apertures 306, 308 and are threadably received inthreaded openings 296, 298 respectively. As shown in FIG. 19 , flangeportions 300 a and 300 b are rotated relative to a horizontal axis anddue to notch 288, the entirety of the flange portion 300 a is below topsurface 286 (FIG. 18 ). This provides for added volume within fronttunnel portion 240 (FIG. 14 ) for mounting of the HVAC hoses.

More particularly, and with reference to FIG. 20 , the HVAC hoses 152,158, 202, 206 and 220 are shown bundled together by way of clamps 320which then couple to upstanding posts 322 which attach to a side of thelongitudinal frame tube 70 which include notch 288. This allows thebearing carrier 280 to be coupled to the frame tubes 70 yet allowing thehose bundle to be positioned in close proximity to upper surface 286providing low profile packaging within tunnel 240.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , cab frame 36 will be describedin greater detail. As shown, cab frame 36 includes front uprights 330,center uprights 332 and rear uprights 334. Front uprights 330 include anintegrated longitudinal section 336 with a transverse section 338extending therebetween. T-shaped couplers 340 couple to a rear end ofsections 336, an upper end of uprights 332, and a forward end oflongitudinal sections 342. Angled couplers 344 are coupled to a rear endof sections 342 and upper ends of uprights 334. A transverse section 348extends between couplers 344. Cab frame 36 is mounted to frame 4 by wayof front couplers 350 which mount to front couplers 100 (FIG. 8 ),middle couplers 352 which mount to couplers 102 (FIG. 8 ) and rearcouplers 354 which mount to couplers 104 (FIG. 8 ).

As shown in FIG. 24 , T-shaped coupler 340 includes two recesses 360 and362 which receive fasteners 364 into the coupler 366 which is attachedto a top of upright 332. Coupler 340 further includes threaded bosses370 which align with apertures 372 of hinge half 374 of hinge 50 (FIG.24 ). Hinge half 374 includes a plate portion 380 which couples toT-coupler 340 and a transverse portion 382 which presents a barrelportion 384 at a position outward of doors 42, 44 (FIG. 23 ) and anupstanding post 386. As shown in FIG. 23 , a counterpart hinge portion390 includes a plate portion 392 which couples to door 42 by way offasteners 394 and includes a barrel 396 positioned over post 386. Thisallows door 42 and hinge portion 390 to rotate relative to hinge portion374.

With reference now to FIGS. 25 and 26 , hinge 52 will be described ingreater detail. As shown best in FIG. 26 , side panel 40 includes anupper panel portion and a lower panel portion 40 b. Side panels 40 a and40 b cover upstanding post 80 where post 80 includes a mounting bracket400 coupled thereto. Panel portion 40 a includes a slot at 402 providingaccess to bracket 400 and to threaded apertures 404. Hinge 52 includesfirst portion 410 having a flange 412 having apertures 414 which alignwith threaded apertures 404. Hinge portion 410 includes a barrel portion416 for receiving a fastener 418 therethrough. Hinge 52 further includesa hinge portion 420 including a hinge arm 422 having slots 424 forreceipt of fasteners 426 therethrough for retention to door 42. A barrelportion 428 vertically aligns with barrel portion 416 to receivefastener 418 therethrough and to receive a counterpart threaded fastener430 to couple hinge portions 410, 420 together. Fasteners 436 arereceived through apertures 414, through slot 402, through sealing washer440 and into threaded engagement with threaded apertures 404. Thiscombination provides a sealed interconnection between the hinge 52 andthe side panel 40.

With reference now to FIG. 27 , the front 20 and rear 22 operator andpassenger compartments are shown with the doors 42 and 44 removed,respectively, and a rear pedestal 440 is shown positioned over rear seatframe 92 (FIG. 8 ). The vehicle includes a front bench seat 442positioned over pedestal 242 and a rear passenger bench seat 444positioned over pedestal 440. Bench seats 442 and 444 cantilever fromtheir respective pedestals 242 and 440 to allow a storage space 450beneath seats 442, 444 and from front panel 34 extending rearwardly to arear panel 452. To support bench seat 442 in the cantilever position ofFIG. 27 , a bracket 456 is provided on frame 4 (FIG. 8 ) which includesa support 458 for receipt of a lower side of bench seat 444. In a likemanner, frame 4 includes a bracket 460 (FIG. 8 ) having a support 462for receiving a lower side of bench seat 444.

With reference now to FIG. 28 , the body side panels are shown in anexploded manner showing front panel 34, mid panel 40 and rear panel 46.As shown, panel 40 includes a front trim portion 470 having a front maleconnector part 472 which is received in a counterpart female portion474. In a like manner, rear panel 46 includes a trim portion 476 havinga front male coupler at 478 which is received in a female coupler 480.It should be appreciated that when a single seat vehicle is used thecenter panel 40 is not utilized, whereas front panel 34 and rear panel46 couple together with male coupler 478 coupling with female coupler474.

With reference now to FIGS. 29-31 , the increased foot area for the rearpassengers will be described. As shown best in FIG. 29 , rear panel 246includes a recessed area 490 providing extra area for the rider's feetas shown in FIG. 31 . An improved ingress is provided where upright 80extends at a rearwardly extending angle (FIG. 30 ) with a front brace492 and a rear brace 494 supporting upright 80 relative to frame tubes76. As upright 80 extends rearwardly, side panel portion 40 b can becontoured to match the upright 80 including a rear panel portion 500which overlies rear brace 494 to provide a triangular ingress opening502 (FIG. 31 ). Ingress opening 502 defines the forwardmost position ofthe opening for the passengers to enter the rear seating area 22.

1. A utility vehicle, comprising: a frame having a longitudinalcenterline, the frame comprising at least two longitudinally extendingframe members including a first longitudinally extending frame memberhaving a first upper surface, and a reduced height section lower thanthe first upper surface, and a second longitudinally extending framemember having a second upper surface and a mounting portion raisedrelative to the second upper surface; ground engaging members supportingthe frame; a powertrain coupled to the frame; a driveshaft coupledbetween the powertrain and at least some of the ground engaging members;and a driveshaft carrier bearing supporting the driveshaft along alength thereof, wherein the driveshaft carrier bearing includes a flangesurrounding at least part of the driveshaft carrier bearing and theflange includes a first flange coupling point coupled to the reducedheight section and a second flange coupling point coupled to themounting portion, such that a line drawn through the first flangecoupling point and the second flange coupling point defines a line thatis angled relative to a horizontal axis.
 2. The utility vehicle of claim1, wherein the at least two longitudinally extending frame memberscomprise longitudinally extending frame tubes and the reduced heightsection is a notch in the first longitudinally extending frame tube. 3.The utility vehicle of claim 2, wherein the raised mounting portion isdefined by a bracket coupled to the second longitudinally extendingframe tube.
 4. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first flangecoupling point and the second flange coupling point are parallel to eachother.
 5. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first flangecoupling point is coupled to the reduced height section via a firstfastener and the second flange coupling point is coupled to the mountingportion via a second fastener that is different from the first fastener.6. The utility vehicle of claim 1, wherein the entirety of the firstflange coupling point is below the first upper surface of the firstlongitudinally extending frame member.
 7. The utility vehicle of claim1, wherein the frame further includes a front seat mount portionsupported by at least one of the at least two longitudinally extendingframe members.
 8. The utility vehicle of claim 8, wherein the driveshaftcarrier bearing is positioned adjacent to the front seat mount portion.9. The utility vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one HVAChose extending along at least a portion of the driveshaft and coupled toat least one of the first longitudinally extending frame member and thesecond longitudinally extending frame member.
 10. The utility vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one HVAC hose is coupled to the firstlongitudinally extending frame member and the first longitudinallyextending frame member includes an HVAC coupler positioned adjacent thefirst flange coupling point.
 11. A utility vehicle, comprising: a framecomprising a first longitudinally extending frame tube having a firstupper surface, and a second longitudinally extending frame tube having asecond upper surface; a front seat mount portion supported by the frame;ground engaging members supporting the frame; a powertrain coupled tothe frame; a driveshaft coupled between the powertrain and at least someof the ground engaging members; and a driveshaft carrier bearing coupledto the driveshaft, wherein the driveshaft carrier bearing includes aflange positioned about a portion of the driveshaft carrier bearing, theflange comprising a first flange coupling point coupled to the firstlongitudinally extending frame tube at a position below the first uppersurface and a second flange coupling point coupled to the secondlongitudinally extending frame tube, wherein the driveshaft carrierbearing is positioned adjacent to the front seat mount portion.
 12. Theutility vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first longitudinally extendingtube includes a notch positioned at a lower height relative to the firstupper surface and the second longitudinally extending tube includes abracket positioned at a raised height relative to the second uppersurface.
 13. The utility vehicle of claim 12, wherein the first flangecoupling point is coupled to the notch and the second flange couplingpoint coupled to the bracket such that the flange is angled relative toa horizontal axis when the flange is coupled to the notch and thebracket.
 14. A utility vehicle, comprising: a frame comprising a firstlongitudinally extending frame member having a first upper surface and asecond longitudinally extending frame member having a second uppersurface; ground engaging members supporting the frame; a powertraincoupled to the frame; a driveshaft coupled between the powertrain and atleast some of the ground engaging members; a driveshaft carrier bearingcoupled to the driveshaft, wherein the driveshaft carrier bearingincludes a flange comprising a first flange coupling point coupled tothe first longitudinally extending frame member and a second flangecoupling point coupled to the second longitudinally extending framemember; and at least one HVAC hose coupled to the first longitudinallyextending frame member.
 15. The utility vehicle of claim 14, wherein thefirst longitudinally extending frame member includes a notch positionedat a lower height relative to the first upper surface and the secondlongitudinally extending frame member includes a bracket positioned at araised height relative to the second upper surface.
 16. The utilityvehicle of claim 15, wherein the first flange coupling point is coupledto the notch and the second flange coupling point is coupled to thebracket such that the flange is angled relative to a horizontal axiswhen the flange is coupled to the notch and the bracket.
 17. The utilityvehicle of claim 14, wherein the at least one HVAC hose is coupled to afirst portion of the first longitudinally extending frame member and thefirst flange coupling point is coupled to a second portion of the firstlongitudinally extending frame member.
 18. The utility vehicle of claim17, wherein at least one upstanding post is positioned at the firstportion of the first longitudinally extending frame member and isconfigured to couple with the at least one HVAC hose.
 19. The utilityvehicle of claim 18, wherein the at least one upstanding post isgenerally perpendicular to the upper surface of the first longitudinallyextending frame member.
 20. The utility vehicle of claim 19, wherein theupstanding post is adjacent a portion of the driveshaft.